How to get an International Driving Licence Sri Lanka (updated 2019)

How to get an International Driving Licence Sri Lanka (updated 2019)

If you have just landed in Sri Lanka and want to go on a road trip, or you have been here a while and the need has arisen for you to drive or rent a vehicle – you have come to the right place! Getting a driving permit in Sri Lanka is relatively easy; there are two main options when getting it yourself as listed below.

With an international driving license/permit (referred to as IDP)

With your home-country driving license

If you rent a tuktuk with TukTuk Rental we will arrange everything and have it ready before you arrive 🙂

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries that requires you to get your license verified in-country before you can drive. This means, driving on an IDP or foreign national license is illegal in Sri Lanka. You need to get your non Sri Lankan license “verified” in Sri Lanka before you can drive.

Here is an example of the laws as an excerpt from the Automobile Association of America (AAA):

IDP rules and regulations in Sri Lanka example AAA

If you are looking for information on a regular Sri Lankan driving license (same as for a local Sri Lankan), You’ll have to look elsewhere!

DEFINITIONS:

International Driving Permit (IDP)

the permit that you get in your own country before travelling abroad usually at an Automobile association (eg. The Automobile Association of America).

Temporary Driving License

the license issued by the Sri Lankan authorities that allows you to drive certain classes of vehicles in Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka there are two authorities that will issue this license, (1) Automobile Association of Ceylon and (2) Department of Motor Transport

Sri Lankan Driving license

the license available to resident or tourists with over 6 months on their visa and is the same license that a local Sri Lankan would obtain.

OPTIONS:

The following is a summary of each option you have with the IDP (1) vs country-of-origin driving license (2). Further details are given in their relevant subsections (1) and (2) below this table.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Country of Origin Driving License

Requirements

International Driving Permit

Bring a copy of your:

Hardcopy IDP,

Hardcopy Passport,

Hardcopy Visa (just in case!)

Country of Origin Driving License

Bring a copy of:

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Driver License

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Visa

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Passport

If you have <15 days left on your visa you will also require: 2 Passport Photo’s

The permit will allow you to drive vehicles as listed on your IDP, and within the surrounding documentation as provided by your IDP.

Don’t have an IDP?

If you’re still in your home-country, you should apply at your local motoring agency for an IDP.

If you have already left your home country you can use this alternative:

https://www.idlservice.com/

We found that this is the only IDP which is issued by an online agent which is accepted by the AAC in Sri Lanka!

Driving MOTORCYCLES:

If you are able to drive a motorcycle in your own country, it will be listed and covered under the IDP as “Type A”.

Driving TUKTUKS:

If you have an IDP that has an endorsement for cars (Type B), the AAC will write “3WHEEL” specifically onto you license. Just remember to ask if you go in and do it yourself! In other countries this is covered under Type A, and the IDP even states “three wheel” under Type A… we know. The Automobile Association of Ceylon gives a tuktuk license if you have a Type B (car) endorsement.

TukTuk Letter from the Automobile Association of Ceylon

2) With a Normal Driving License

If you don’t have an IDP, you can still get permission to drive in Sri Lanka for up to 6 months depending on your visa. This option is relatively straight forward, and is also cheaper than the aforementioned IDP. This option will take around 30 minutes after you get to the DMT, but the traffic and distance from Colombo means it will take minimum 3 hours overall, and can take up to a full day. Please note the DMT does not issue a licence to drive a tuktuk! Please contact us if you need more information about this, as there are ways to get you a AAC approved licence without having an IDP.

You will need to following:

LKR 1000 ($7 USD approx)

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Driver License

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Visa

Photocopy & Hardcopy of Passport

If you have <15 days on your visa, you will also require 2 passport size photographs!

Note: if you forget the photocopies there is a photocopy centre outside!

You will get:

When you go to get a temporary driving permit from the department, you will receive a license that gives you permission to drive vehicles IDENTICAL to your existing license. So if you have a “car” license you will be able to drive a car, and if you have a “motorcycle” license you will be able to drive a motorcycle etc…

MOTORCYCLE License:

To drive a motorcycle you need a specific A type license on your national license to get approval (see section 3 for further information).

TUKTUK License:

Unfortunately at the DMT you cannot get a license to drive a tuktuk. The only way is with an IDP and through the AAC.

We have been in discussions with the Department of Motor Traffic since December 2016 to clarify the laws surrounding foreigners driving tuktuks in Sri Lanka, and for them to update their requirements to match the Geneva and Vienna conventions on Road Traffic, of which Sri Lanka is a signatory country. It’s common for countries to include the three wheel license (Type B1) in either the CAR license or the MOTORCYCLE license, however, the DMT will not issue the Type B1 permit. You can see the problem here… We have been in discussions with the DMT including the head commissioner since December 2016, and after 7 months and over 50 visits, in July 2017 we were issued a letter outlining that people with Type B (car) license can drive a tuktuk provided they pass a practical exam (this is similar to the AAC requirement, above). Although the letter has been issued (see it attached below), the logistics of this actually happening have still not been sorted out and we are still waiting patiently for this this option to come through (as of January 2019, still waiting). For the most up-to-date information here you will have to email us directly on info@tuktukrental.com

Letter from Department of Motor Traffic

LOCATION [IMPORTANT]:

There are two different Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) offices in Colombo. One is in the city itself, and the larger one (the one you NEED) is located in BORALESGAMUWA – link to google map. As shown on the following map, it is located inland of Mt Lavinia, in South Colombo.

Department of Motor Traffic Colombo (the right one!!)

In the Department of Motor Traffic:

(1) >15 days to 6 months on Visa (most people should fit this category!)

You will need to head to counter H, which is located near the back of the centre. Walk past all of the people doing their driving tests and waiting for their medical, and through another security gate. There is a specific counter for Temporary Driving Licenses for foreigners, counter 1, and the wait shouldn’t be too long because of this.

You will have to fill out the application form they provide you, hand over your documentation (license, visa etc) and the whole process takes about 15 minutes.

(2) <15 days on Visa

If you have a visa with less than 15 days remaining, you can still obtain a temporary driving license though you will need to go to counter 39, which is outside section H. It might be easier to go to counter H first, and then be redirected.

The application form:

Temporary Driving Permit Application Form (Sri Lanka)

3) Vehicular Types and Permits

The following image presents is a list of vehicular permits for Sri Lanka.

53 Comments

Hi, I’m Andrew. I’ll be heading to Sri Lanka on 15-26 July 2017 and I’m planning to rent a motorcycle. I saw your guides on getting a permit to ride there. I personally have both my own country’s license and IDP. From your guide, option 2 is cheaper than option 1. But i read that option 2 actually is quite time consuming and may need to offer bribes to the Dept of Motor Traffic officers. So is option 1 more recommended, although it’s slightly more expensive, less hassle?

Thanks for your question! Despite what you might here, you shouldn’t have to (nor should you) pay a bribe to get your local driving permit. If you do have an IDP already, then yes, option 1 will be easier.

Hey Andrew, option 2 is definitely cheaper. You don’t however have to pay any bribes it’s really straight forward. The only issue is the office is a bit far out of Colombo but I imagine you could do it in <3 hours from when you leave Colombo to when you get back -- HIGHLY dependent upon traffic. If you have a motorcycle license on your regular driver license they will issue you a motorcycle license. Thanks, Tom.

Hey Andrew, thanks for the question! Yes you can get it on the same day. Just bring the copy of your IDP into the AAC and they will issue it. We usually get this sorted for our customers before they arrive (though I note you are going the motorcycle option). It takes anywhere from 5 minutes to 1hr depending on how busy it is! Good luck and we hope you enjoy your trip around Sri Lanka! Thanks, Tom.

Hey Alberto, thanks for asking! If you have a car license (type B), you can get a car license to drive a CAR in Sri Lanka if you do option 2 – which is going to the Department of Motor Transport (DMT). If you have “Type B1” specifically on your license you can get a tuktuk license from the DMT. We are in discussions with them currently and in the near future (Sri Lankan time, fingers crossed), we will be able to take you to do a practical exam at the DMT if you have a car license, and get you a tuktuk license. If you only have Type B currently and want a tuktuk license, you will first need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local motoring agency and then get this upgraded at the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) when you get in country. Trust this helps!! 🙂

hello
we are looking at picking up a tuk tuk in Ella. We will have an IDP before coming over, however will not be in Columbo to visit the AAC. Will the first option allow us to have the Sri Lankan license before we arrive and pick it up in Ella?
Thanks for your help
Henry

Some has said Sri Lanka Motor Traffic Department as efficient as it can be. Last year I was in Sri Lanka without the IDP and the car rental agency sent me with their driver to Werahara to get this permit. It took me the whole day, file getting from one officer to the other. Then the lunch break came and most of them had gone on a staggered arrangement. So when you got one signature, I have to wait for the guy who has gone for lunch. When he comes the other one is missing. However, I was wasting my time from 9:30 until 2:30 when I got the paper. Of course travelling to Werahara is another 2 hours up and down. So if you are travelling to Colombo from overseas without harping about a few rupees get your IDP before you travel.

Hi I am Shree from India, I have an IDP and Driving License issued in India. I heard that people of SAARC countries need not get AAC endorsement on their IDP. Is it true? or getting AAC endorsement on IDP is mandatory to ride in Sri lanka..? I will be visiting Sri Lanka for only 9 days. Please help me. Thanks in advance !

Sri, If you have an IDP from India just go to Automobile Association of Sri Lanka near Galle Face and get the authorization In 10 minutes. Take your passport also with you just in case to prove your visit is valid.

Hi, guys
My home-country driving license is just for car (Type B), but I have an IDP with both Type B and Type B1 categories verified. Do I still need authorization from Department of Motor Traffic or AASC? Thanks

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries that requires all foreign drivers to have local endorsement. Fortunately, having an IDP is by far the easiest way to make this happen. Happy travels in Sri Lanka!

Is it possible for u to obtain the Sri Lankan driving permit in advance and deliver it to me along with car if I book a car for a week with u and send u the IDP obtained from India on 11th of this month….if so let me know at the earliest…..
Thanks

Hi Thomas,
Our apologies for the late reply, we have been busy with the Tuktuk Tournament so a bit behind on replying on our posts. But we can get you a Sri Lankan driving permit in advance if you send us a copy of your IDP.
Feel free to send us an email if you have any more questions!

I am living in India without a international driving license just about to travel to Sri Lanka. I am there only 10 days and have already paid the hire car company to rent a car. it was just by chance that I saw you needed a permit, which you don’t need in India. Would it be possible to get an international licence from the UK sent here within a week of travel. Because I don’t think option 2 is an option with that amount of travelling to get a permit. I could just cancel the car and hire a driver. Please help.

Hi John,
Not sure if the UK issues IDL and sends it overseas. But check out this website which could be of help: https://idaoffice.org. You will still need to get the permit after you receive the IDL.
Kind regards,
Wietse
Tuktuk Rental

Hi Jurgen, we have heard that too. Read it in the newspaper even, but in reality these messages never keep up with what is happening or is actually possible. So you are free to try of course, please let us know haha 🙂

Hello, I am a little confused – in official website of DMT are conditions to Conversion of Foreign License. There’s written that you need a Medical fitness certificate obtained from the National Transport Medical Institute, within a period of six months. What is it? Do I really need it? 2nd question – I have license for A1, B and B1 in Czech republic. I am planning to travel around the whole Srí lanka. What’s the best choice to rent? I was thinking about motorcycle, but then I found your web with tuktuks. I am a little afraid that tuktuk can’t get everywhere – especially in the mountains…What do you think?

I want to drive legally in Sri Lanka. I have an IDP from the US. I am currently in the Galle area and do not want to make a trip back to Colombo just for this. Is there a way to obtain the permit down South?

What are talking. Colombo is only 1 hour away. Only authority to certify your IDP is SLAA. Once they certify you could walk into any rental agency and rent a car. Mind you rental price does include insurance. Compared to US it is a steal in Sri Lanka.

Last December when I was in Sri Lanka I was at a rental place to rent a car. He read my IDP and said Sri Lanka is included in the driving permit and I do not need any other documents. First see whether your IDP covers Sri Lanka in the list of countries listed. Then you do not need any other documents.

Hi Hermann, unfortunately in Sri Lanka you need to have your license certified by the AAC, this by law and more importantly for the insurance! Only an IDP is not enough. Please let us know if you have any more questions. Cheers, Wietse

Hello, I’m planning on staying in Sri Lanka for 6 months. Having travelled there before I’ve always had problems with driving license. I have an IDP but I don’t actually have a motorbike license which is what I tend to use when I’m there. Do you know of any options for foreigners to get a bike license in Sri Lanka? Any help much appreciated!

Hi Hannah, in order to receive a bike license you should have the motorbike endorsement on your IDP too. What you could do is contact the Department of Motor Traffic or better go visit them (government offices and phones do not really work here). They can tell you all about it and issue temporary driving licenses to foreign nationals. Cheers, Wietse

Hi Wietse,
I moved from Germany to Sri Lanka and have a residence visa now. I don’t have an IDP, just my normal German driving licence. How can I get a local driving licence permamently, what does it require? It seems, from what I have read so far and heard from friends, that it is very easy to get the driving licence translated but it seems complicated to get a permanent one. Thank you!

A friend and I are travelling to Sri Lanka. I have a full licence and intend to get this endorsed for legal driving. My friend however, does not have a full licence. A) Is there anything that can be done to get around presenting a licence that he does not have? B) What is the recourse for driving without the correct paperwork? Thanks

Hi Jamie, sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately in order to get the permit, you do need a licence. Driving around without the proper paperwork will result in fines and not being able to continue your journey.

Hello, please, could you help me?
I arrived to Sri Lanka one year ago and I’ll stay here for a while.
I’ve my spanish driving licence B and also the IDP. I’d like to drive a tuk, tuk here.
What shall I do? What’s the easiest procediment and what’s the cheapest? I’ve residence VISA.

Hey Beartiz,
The easiest way is to take your licence to the AAC. See section above “If you have an IDP that has an endorsement for cars (Type B), the AAC will write “3WHEEL” specifically onto you license. Just remember to ask if you go in and do it yourself! In other countries this is covered under Type A, and the IDP even states “three wheel” under Type A… I know. The Automobile Association of Ceylon gives a tuktuk license if you have a Type B (car) endorsement.”

Happy driving! Make sure to stop by our office in Mt Lavinia to say hello!

Hi, I have a UK Full motorcycle licence (including anything with 3 wheels). Is it true then that I can’t get a tuktuk licence in Sri Lanka despite being legally qualified to drive one everywhere else. This is important for me since I will be living here for at least a year on a working residence permit and need a vehicle to go surfing. Since they put the stupid ban on motorcycle board racks it’s either a 3wheeler or just riding a bike with my board bag over my shoulder (not ideal)….

Hey Timothy,
You can’t drive any vehicle in Sri Lanka without a local endorsement. You will be able to drive a tuktuk, you just need to make sure you get the right endorsement. Read the article above for your options on how to do it.

Hi I am from sweden and we are now in Tissamaharama for a few days have a dpi from Sweden and would like to rent a tuk tuk it is possible to arrange a permit without returning to Colombo in any way.?stays here till saturday. And in Sri Lanka until January 23 Greetings Kjell

Yes, this is possible! Once you make a booking through our system, you will receive a link to upload your documents. The driving instructor will then drive the tuktuk to Tissa together with your licence 🙂

HI,
I am arriving to colombo on friday night, and would like to apply for temporary driving license.
But since the departments will be closed, can it be done through any agents?? if so, whom should i contact?

Hey guys,
big compliment for all your replies above. Really helping people out here.
As far as I could see, my question hasn’t been ask, but if so – please excuse the repetition:
I already have my IDP. Do you think it would be possible if a friend of mine (who already is in Sri Lanka before) could take the hardcopy of my IDP, a copy of my passport (since I will only arrive with my hardcopy) and a copy of my visa? Will the agents be willing to give the permit if she has ‘only’ a copy of my passport. I could also give her my national passport as an assurance.
Happy to hear from you.

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